Trekkup Dubai ✔

In the heart of the African continent lies the Central African Republic, still known to some as the Empire of Central Africa, which suffered under a corrupt government for decades. However, the situation is gradually changing, making the country increasingly safer and attractive on a travel map.

Bangui, the capital of the CAR, and biggest city with population of 400,000 is one of the bustling centres of the region. The most important lifeline of Bangui is the Ubangi River, the second largest tributary of the Congo.

Although houses are made here of unfired bricks, with roofs covered in metal (in wealthier areas) or thatch (in villages), dominate the country's architecture, capital influences of French architecture are still visible - wide boulevards and avenues almost all lead to the Place de la Republique.

The heart of Ubangi district is surrounded by an impressive residential district where the city's upper class resides.

One of remarkable highlights is Boganda Museum providing detailed insight into the history of the country, development and traditions of the ethnic groups of Central Africa. Their culture is expressed by dance, art, and tradition. Another popular destination is the central market, which conveys the African way of life at first hand.

The overall landscape of the Central African Republic includes hilly terrain, large areas of wet and savannah forests, a somewhat drier and barren northern region, parts of the Chad and Congo basins, the Mongos Mountains, and the 1,420m high Kayagangiri. Some areas of the country are noticeably sparsely populated, and where there are people, you will find Bantu, various Sahelo-Sudanese groups, Azande people, and pygmies who were the first inhabitants of the area.

The residents of this constantly plundered country, live in accordance with the spirit of "true" Africa, and do not cease to be open, friendly, and generous people.

Pygmies
The legendary Pygmies who live here are known as the Ba'aka. They are one of the few primitive hunter-gatherer tribes on Earth. The Ba'aka are very kind, quiet people who are shy around strangers, but they are extremely helpful and peaceful. However, they struggle to adjust in situations where they are forced to leave the forests and settle on the savannahs because they are unable to build suitable homes for open spaces. They do not understand the concept of money or property rights as they are children of nature. Unfortunately, their time is limited as they are being forced to settle and lose their identity, which ultimately leads to their demise along with the forests that are being irresponsibly destroyed by companies from Lebanon or Yemen.

Let's go!

DAY 1 :: Oubangui River
Morning flight lands in Bangui just after noon. You’re met with big smiles, cold water, and the unmistakable smell of red earth and river breeze. A short drive through the colourful streets drops you at the hotel, then straight onto the wide Oubangui River for a sunset cruise. On one side the skyline of Bangui, on the other the endless green wall of the Democratic Republic of Congo – the perfect welcome cocktail to Central Africa!

DAY 2 :: Bangui
Today is all about the capital’s heartbeat: the bustling central market, the National Museum (Boganda’s story is still remembered), Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and key historical monuments. In the afternoon, visit local communities for presentation of traditional Banda and Gbaya dances.

Evening turns up the volume! Dinner followed by a proper Bangui banger, a night out in a local dance bar where the bass is loud and the moves are fearless.

DAY 3 :: Pygmies and falls
Early start south-west to the rainforest edge and the Aka pygmy village of Bossongo. The chief and his singers escort you into the green tunnel for the full immersion: jungle survival lessons, finding medicine plants, honey hunting from towering trees, net and bow practice, and building your own leaf hut before the whole village throws an epic dance party.
Afternoon drive to the thunderous Boali Falls, a quick walk across the creaky liana bridge, and a stop at the hydroelectric dam that keeps Bangui’s lights on. On the way back we pass through a Fulani cattle camp – tall herders, long-horned cows, and another reminder that Africa never runs out of surprises.

DAY 4 :: Departure
Souvenir shopping before airport transfer for return flight home. Bye, bye Central Africa!

Level of Difficulty: Easy, raw Africa.
Duration: 4 days
Activities: Trekking, boating, sightseeing, wildlife and indigenous tribes encounter.
Rooms: 4 star hotel – double sharing, single at extra cost subject of availability at the time of booking.
Meals: Restaurant meals excluded. Breakfasts included.

COST: 4,600 AED + 380 AED visa = 4,980 AED

Cost valid until SEP 01. Past this date cost will change.

Flights:

• flydubai + Ethiopian 3,750 AED
• Ethiopian 5,050 AED

Requirements: Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate, malaria prophylactics compulsory.

Visas:
Visa support available for every passport, 880 AED.

YELLOW FEVER Vaccination Certificate is mandatory for entering CAR.

See yah in CAR x

Lebanon is that pocket-sized powerhouse that somehow fits 10,000 years of history, ski slopes, beach clubs, Roman mega-temples, and the world’s best mezze into an area smaller than Qatar. You can literally have breakfast by the Mediterranean, lunch in the mountains, and dinner in a rooftop bar that feels like Paris and Dubai had a baby. Buckle up – this place hits different.

They don’t call it the “Switzerland of the Middle East” for nothing: snow-capped peaks, ancient cedars older than Jesus, and valleys so deep monks built monasteries into the cliffs just to flex. The name “Lebanon” even comes from the ancient word for “white” – yeah, those snowy mountains have been the national brand since forever.
History? Phoenicians invented the alphabet here, Romans dropped the most over-the-top temples outside Italy, Crusaders built castles, Ottomans added souks and soap empires. Modern chapter got messy – civil war, heartbreak, rebuild, repeat – but Beirut rose from the ashes like the ultimate comeback kid and reclaimed its title: “Paris of the East 2.0”.

And the food? Mezze spreads so good you’ll forget calories exist. Labneh that slaps harder than your ex, grilled meats dripping with garlic sauce, and enough olive oil to keep the Mediterranean shiny.

Ready? Let’s roll.

Day 1 // Touchdown Beirut

Meet at DXB, hop on the direct FZ-159 to BEY. Land, breeze through arrivals, and get whisked to the hotel. Night owls? First taste of Beirut nightlife – the city that never sleeps (and probably invented after-parties).

Day 2 // Jeita Grotto, Harissa & Ancient Byblos

Road-trip north for a day of natural wonders and ancient vibes.
We start with Jeita Grotto, a jaw-dropping natural wonder, regularly ranked among the world’s most spectacular caves. Explore the stunning upper galleries, then take a boat ride through the lower cavern, gliding beneath dramatic stalactites and stalagmites in this underground fantasy.

Continue to Harissa - ride the iconic cable car up for breathtaking panoramic views over Jounieh Bay and the Mediterranean. At the summit stands the majestic Our Lady of Lebanon Shrine, a major pilgrimage site and one of the country’s most recognizable landmarks.
Further north to Byblos (Jbeil) – one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth (over 7,000 years of history).

Explore the Crusader Castle, the ancient Phoenician harbor, and the impressive archaeological site perched above the sea. Wander the charming old souk with its boutiques, cafés, and traditional houses.

Dinner and overnight in Byblos, with time to enjoy its lively bars and vibrant nightlife by the sea.

Day 3 // Tripoli, Batroun & Back to Beirut

Continue north to Tripoli, Lebanon’s underrated second city packed with medieval charms. Head to Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles, the largest Crusader fortress in the country, with sweeping views over the old town and its maze of alleys. Further to Hammam Ezzedine, a beautifully preserved Mamluk bathhouse that reflects the urban life of Tripoli’s past. Dive into the bustling souks: spices, vintage finds, traditional crafts, and culinary treasures. We’ll not miss Khan Al Saboun, where legendary olive-oil soap being handmade in the historic soap palace.

Next stop: charming coastal Batroun. one of Lebanon’s most charming seaside destinations. Walk through the historic streets and visit the ancient Phoenician sea wall, carved directly into the coastal rock more than 2,000 years ago. Batroun is known both for its rich historical heritage and its lively atmosphere, especially during the summer season, with water sports, beach clubs, and vibrant nightlife, as well as its craft beer and traditional lemonade.

Free time at the beach. Evening return to Beirut for the night.

Day 4 // Chouf Mountains, Cedar Giants & Departure

Breakfast and check-out. Our trip would not be completed without a visit to Chouf Mountains.

First to Beiteddine Palace, a masterpiece of 19th-century Lebanese architecture built by Emir Bashir II. Marvel at the elegant courtyards, arcades, fountains, and intricate mosaics.

Continue to the Barouk Cedar Reserve, home to one of Lebanon’s largest and most majestic cedar forests. Enjoy a serene short walk among these ancient national symbols that have watched over Lebanese history and culture for millennia. Back to Beirut for a final city tour: historic Downtown (Phoenician roots to Ottoman elegance), Martyrs’ Square, and the iconic Pigeon Rocks in Raouché for those classic Mediterranean cliff views.

Sunset mezze, rooftop drinks if time allows, then transfer to Beirut International Airport for departure flight.

Grade: Easy – available for everyone.
Activities: Cultural immersion, trekking, sightseeing.

Cost: 3,550 AED excluding flights, until OCT 10th.

Accommodation & Meals: 3 and 4 star hotels - shared rooms, meals excluded.
Specifically Excluded: Visa expenses (if any), meals.

Historically intriguing, culturally compelling, and scenically magical, Eritrea stands as one of the most fascinating countries in Africa, often regarded as one of the most enigmatic destinations on the continent. The country offers a unique blend of natural beauty, diverse heritage, and spirit of resilience. With its varied landscapes ranging from majestic highlands to serene coastal areas, Eritrea is an array of experiences for explorers seeking authenticity and wonder. Despite facing certain challenges in its development, Eritrea's potential shines through in its welcoming communities and breathtaking vistas, inviting travelers to discover its hidden gems and create lasting memories.

Eritrea boasts a rich history that spans millennia, with evidence of human settlement dating back to around 6000 BC. The name Eritrea originates from the Greek word erythraios, meaning red, in reference to the Red Sea that borders the country.

A notable historical landmark is the Masjid as Sahaba, or Mosque of the Companions, located in Massawa, which dates to the early 7th century and is believed by some to be the first mosque built in Africa, constructed by companions of the Prophet Muhammad who sought refuge in the region. During the late 19th century, Eritrea came under Italian colonial rule starting in 1885, serving as a strategic base for Italy's ambitions in Africa. Following Italy's defeat in World War II, the territory was administered by Britain until 1952, when it was federated with Ethiopia under a United Nations resolution. Tensions arose, leading to a prolonged struggle for self determination that culminated in Eritrea achieving independence in 1993 after a referendum, marking the birth of the modern nation and its ongoing journey toward progress and stability.

For a relatively small country, Eritrea impresses with incredible scenery that is perfect for road trips, from the plateaus and soaring peaks of the Abyssinian Highlands to the Filfil Rainforest and the deserted white sand beaches of the Red Sea coast. Culturally, it is a melting pot, home to an array of ethnic groups, and boasting a delicious cuisine familiar to fans of Ethiopian food.

A walk through the old town of Massawa is like stepping back in time, its streets lined with gently crumbling Ottoman buildings and home to the oldest mosque in Africa. The highlight is Asmara, Eritreas scenic capital full of striking and whimsical Art Deco architecture.

Planet: Danakil.

Location: Galaxy of Ethiopia, close proximity to Sun.

Oxygen in norms, water towards lower limits. Life existent but limited due to temperatures, high population of flies.

Humans, known as Affars, use camels for extracting salt deposits of crystalized salt from the surface of volcanic lake. Salt mining unlimited on the connection of 3 tectonic plates - geological madness explained.

Potassium, salt, Sulphur, coffee, beers - unlimited. Sugar restricted.
Volcanic activity at high alert, fuming enormous, precautions taken.